Sant'Egidio: the Courage to Hope

Appeal for peace in Syria by John X, Patriarch of Antioch

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At the ending of the Opening Assembly "The Courage to Hope", the Patriarch of Antioch John X has launched an appeal for Syria.

“I would like to make an appeal for the situation in Syria and Lebanon. Peace can be achieved in Syria - inside and outside the country - only through the logic of dialogue and the efforts to achieve a peaceful political solution. Peace in Syria cannot be achieved through missiles that destroy or with the use of warships. The proclamation of Peace is better than the declaration of war. Finally, here from Rome, whose land has been blessed by the early martyrs of our Lord, I would like to speak to all the faithful and believers in the world using the words of the bishop of Antioch, St. Ignatius. He, in his letter to the Romans, about 2000 years ago, said "Remember in our prayers the Church in Syria. Jesus Christ alone will oversee it, as well as your love”. And I add: "Remember in your prayers all the Syrians and Lebanese. Ask the Almighty God to bring His peace in that blessed land. Brothers and sisters, bringing peace to Syria will be a milestone, a test for all of us. We will work together to wipe every single tear of the Syrians and to lead the fight for peace and freedom”.